We have all sorts of ideas about Heaven. And while culture certainly plays a role in our conception, many ideas are the result of church teachings. In this week's talk, Josh challenges one of those ideas ... well, at least, as it appears (or doesn't) in John 14.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 26 January 2020

Instead of preaching *about* MLK and his message, we decided to read a (very very slightly abridged) version of his "Letter from a Birmingham Jail." (The abridgment, sadly, was unintentional.)

the restoration project. 19 January 2020

TRP TURNS SEVEN! In this talk, Josh discusses some of TRP's big wins of the last year, some of his insecurities, and then provides a vision of who we are and what we are about.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 5 January 2020

In the last sermon of the year, we are talking about prayer and lament. Perhaps an odd way to send out the year, but it's an important topic. How are you praying? What are you lamenting? Are we, like the ancient psalmists and prophets, turning to trust?

the restoration project. Joshua James. 29 December 2019

This week, we're digging in to the ancient Near Eastern context of Isaiah 7. We usually read the virgin birth prophecy of Jesus through the lens provided by Matthew...but when we do, we miss some stuff. Brace yourselves.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 22 December 2019

Week 2 of Advent brings us to Isaiah's vision for an idealized ruler and their effect on the cosmos. It's a grand vision of what *should be* and what, through Jesus, will be brought to bear.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 8 December 2019

Oh, Advent ... the season with biblical texts that are not as Christmas-y as most American Christians would like them to be. We kick off the series with a brief poem from Isaiah 2. It paints a contrastive vision of what *could be* and, as we argue here, a vision that we should model here and now.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 1 December 2019

As Jesus begins what scholars have labeled his "farewell discourse," he implores his disciples to love each other. In this talk, we explore a bit of what this means.

the restoration project,. Joshua James. 24 November 2019

In this week's talk, Josh explores the historical/contextual setting of Jesus' last meal with his disciples prior to the crucifixion. And let me tell you, the Gospel of John weaves a fine story together.

the restoration project. Joshua James. 17 November 2019

One week off of her installation, Associate Pastor, Suzi Peterson, revisits the foot washing scene in John. Her aim is to further explore the relationships in the room and the service offered by Jesus.

the restoration project. Suzi Peterson. 10 November 2019